Michael (Mike) A. Birchfield passed away in the presence of his loving family on June 6, 2007.

Mike was born and raised in South Bend, Ind.

He joined the Navy and served for almost 10 years before pursuing a career in law enforcement. Mike was working as a police officer for the city of Langley at the time of his death. He had previously been a detective for the Island County Sheriff’s Department.

One of Mike’s passions in life was music. He had played the drums since he was a small boy. Mike played in several rock bands throughout his life, and always had his ears wide open when it came to listening and appreciating all types of music. Everyone who knew him was aware of the super sound systems he had in his home and in his car. He was always a step ahead of the times when it came to discovering new music.

Mike also liked the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, hiking and camping. Living on Whidbey Island for more than 20 years gave him many opportunities to indulge those pursuits.

Mike is survived by his loving son, Jeremy and devoted daughter, Fallon, both of Langley, who attended to him daily during his illness. Jeremy and Fallon’s mother, Elizabeth, of Langley, also survives Mike, and was with Jeremy and Fallon and Mike at the end. He is also survived by his grandson, Kieran (Bug), who was the apple of his eye and constant buddy the last few years of his life. His sister, Candace of South Bend, Indiana; a brother Tom (Catherine); nephew, TJ and niece, Sadie of Louisville, Ky. also survived him.

A memorial service will be held 3 p.m. Tuesday, June 12 at St. Hubert Catholic Church in Langley. A celebration of life will follow the service at The Edgecliff in Langley.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mike’s name may be made to the American Lung Association.